Start with the paperwork: the vehicle registration certificate lists every ownership transfer, and the service book plus dealer maintenance records help confirm mileage. For digital verification, ask the seller for a live video walkaround plus a diagnostic scan report showing the ECU-recorded mileage, which is hard to manipulate. For EVs, request a battery state-of-health (SOH) report — it reveals real usage patterns far better than the odometer. Finally, a pre-shipment inspection by a third party should include structural checks (pillars, chassis rails) to rule out accident repairs. Build "no major accident, no flood or fire damage" into your purchase contract with a refund clause if the inspection contradicts it.

The technician will put the vehicle in neutral on the lift, rotate the wheels, and listen for any abnormal metal gear whine from inside the motor reducer, and check for gear oil leaks at the joints of the reducer housing.

Use credit check apps (like Check Doctor or Ant Queen) to pull the complete accident record.